Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, declared his candidacy for a second term in the upcoming election, reversing his previous promise to step down. His announcement has intensified disputes over the duration of his current term, while elections have been postponed until November 30, creating further political unrest in the nation.
Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the President of Guinea-Bissau, announced on Monday his decision to seek reelection in November, which marks a departure from his previous commitments to relinquish power. This declaration raises concerns regarding the timeline of his current term and the scheduling of forthcoming elections. Embalo made the announcement upon his return from an official trip to Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary, stating, “I will be a candidate in my own succession.”
Tensions between Embalo and the political opposition have escalated over differing interpretations of when his five-year term, initiated in 2020, concludes. The opposition claims his term ended in February, while the Supreme Court of Justice has determined that it expires on September 4. Additionally, dissatisfaction has emerged following Embalo’s announcement that presidential and legislative elections are postponed until November 30 of this year.
Originally intended for November 2024, the legislative elections have been indefinitely delayed, attributed to technical and financial obstacles that have perturbed the electoral schedule. President Embalo stated, “I will talk to the political parties first about the forthcoming elections, and then I will issue a presidential decree,” indicating his intention to engage with political stakeholders prior to confirming the election timeline.
Embalo, a 52-year-old former army general, inherited a complex political landscape in Guinea-Bissau, a nation plagued by coups and political instability since its independence from Portugal in 1974. He has noted that there were two attempts to usurp his presidency, the most recent of which occurred in December 2023. Last year, Embalo mentioned that his wife had advised him against pursuing a second term.
In summary, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s announcement to run for a second term has generated significant controversy, raising questions about the legitimacy of his current term and the status of upcoming elections. His stark shift from prior commitments to step down and the postponement of elections have led to heightened political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, setting the stage for potentially contentious future developments.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
